Braising chicken with vegetables is the simplest way to get a moist, flavorful breast. It's perfect for any combination of vegetables, spices and herbs. Let cuisine, color and texture guide you. (For example, you could take it Latin American and go with sweet potatoes, black beans and cumin.)

Bone-in chicken breasts braised in chicken broth and Dijon get a lift from garlic, cherry tomatoes, fresh green beans and a showering of fresh mint. Serve with rice or a crusty baguette to absorb all the fragrant juices.

This classic potato-leek soup with chives is known as vichyssoise. It can be served either warm or chilled; we prefer it slightly warm. If the 1/2 cup of heavy cream is too heavy, try mixing 1/4 cup of cream with 1/4 cup of milk.

Doesn't this recipe sound good? It is. If you'd like some ideas about what to eat with it, click on the "goes with..." tab to the left. For the lowdown on ingredients, techniques and tools, click on "related tips."

This cooling cucumber soup is flavored with nutty almonds, a tart apple and aromatic mint. It's a perfect light lunch on a hot summer day. The raw garlic will definitely be noticed, so if you'd rather not have a strong garlic flavor, use only one clove.

This is a Southwesternish take on an easy white bean soup. Cumin adds a homey, smoky flavor and yogurt adds creaminess and tartness. Bean soups are popular all over the world. You could exchange the herbs and spices and take it just about any direction you want.

Doesn't this recipe sound good? It is. If you'd like some ideas about what to eat with it, click on the "goes with..." tab to the left. For the lowdown on ingredients, techniques and tools, click on "related tips."

Doesn't this recipe sound good? It is. If you'd like some ideas about what to eat with it, click on the "goes with..." tab to the left. For the lowdown on ingredients, techniques and tools, click on "related tips."

Doesn't this recipe sound good? It is. If you'd like some ideas about what to eat with it, click on the "goes with..." tab to the left. For the lowdown on ingredients, techniques and tools, click on "related tips."